ReportWire

Tag: Lydia Taylor

  • Ohio School Report Cards: Fewer students missing school

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    OHIO — The Ohio Department of Education has released its 2024-25 report card, which highlights progress and downfalls in schools across the state. 

    A few notable improvements this year compared to previous years were the decrease in chronic absenteeism, as well as the improvement of workforce readiness. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Chronic absenteeism is on a downward trend across the state

    • Students with disabilities are most affected by absenteeism

    • This year marked the first year the Ohio School Report Cards included a rating for College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness component

    Absenteeism

    According to the report, chronic absenteeism is on a downward trend across the state. This year marked the lowest percentage of absences across the state since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    For the 2024-25 school year, officials reported 25.1% absenteeism — a stark decline from the 30.2% reported for the 2022-23 school year. The department attributed the decline to targeted interventions and increased engagement. Efforts have included a multi-organization partnership with Stay in the Game! Network, which promotes the importance of students showing up and staying engaged. 

    As part of keeping students healthy and encouraging them to come to school, Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, R-Ohio, have worked to expand school-based health centers. According to the Ohio Department of Health, the school-based health centers save students an average of three hours of classroom seat time. 

    There are currently 138 centers in operation, 43% of which have opened in the past five years, and they have served more than 70,000 patients statewide. 

    Other recent efforts include the newly launched Team Tressel Fitness Challenge for grades 4-8, which encourages students to set and achieve wellness goals, implement health habits in and out of the classroom, and focus on overall nutrition and exercise. To reduce distractions in schools, DeWine signed legislation this year that required all schools to adopt a cellphone policy by Jan. 1, 2026. 

    “In schools that have already banned cellphones, feedback from students, teachers, administrators and parents indicates that students are more engaged in their learning, performing better academically, and building stronger connections with one another,” the Ohio Department of Health stated in the report. 

    However, despite the decline, the Ohio Department of Education noted that about one in four students still miss more than 10% of the school year. The Ohio Department of Education added that students with disabilities experience a higher absenteeism rate than their peers.

    Workforce readiness

    This year marked the first year the Ohio School Report Cards included a rating for College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness component. 

    According to the report, 61.4% of students who graduated in 2024 met at least one of Ohio’s 11 postsecondary readiness measures, which is a jump from 56.3% in 2023. In 2024, more students had a head start on college — 16% of them earned at least 12 college credits, which is an increase from 13.8% in 2023. 

    “These gains reflect a strong focus on career readiness, driven by strategic investments in career-technical education that prepare students with the skills and credentials needed for success beyond high school,” the Ohio Department of Health noted in the report. 

    To view your school or school district’s grades, click here.

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  • Columbus Metropolitan Library sets opening date for new Marion-Franklin Branch

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Metropolitan Library announced it’s opening the new Marion-Franklin Branch Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2800 Lockbourne Road. 

    To celebrate, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on the day of the opening.

    CML said before the new branch opens, it will close the current Marion-Franklin Branch at 2740 Lockbourne Road. It will shutter its doors Friday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. The location will be closed permanently, and CML encouraged customers to visit nearby locations until the new one opens. 

    CML explained that the current Marion-Franklin Branch opened as an “express branch” in 2014 to help give the community access to library services since it previously didn’t have any. 

    The new location will be more than double the size of the branch that’s closing, CML said. Construction of the new location began in June 2024. 

    Its hours of operation will be as follows:  
     
    Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Sunday: 1-5 p.m.

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  • Kettering Health to invest $35 million into Xenia

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    DAYTON, Ohio — Kettering Health announced Monday it’s investing around $35 million into health care facilities in Xenia. 

    The health system said with city approval, it will build a $26 million outpatient health center on the REACH site on Progress Drive. It will be a 24,000-square-foot facility and will offer primary care, walk-in care, lab services and imaging. 

    Of the funds, $10 million will go toward Kettering Health Greene Memorial for updates and renovations. The facility will still offer its current services. 

    “We remain committed to addressing the local shortage of primary care and specialist physicians in Xenia,” said Ron Connovich, president of Kettering Health Medical Group. “We want to move forward—and have prioritized investing resources to meet the most pressing healthcare needs of the community.”   

    There’s no timeline yet for the new facility or updates at Greene Memorial. Kettering Health said plans will be shared as they unfold. 

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  • Ohio city warns of invasive insect wiping out plants

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    OHIO — It’s an invasive insect that has previously caused quarantines and can wipe out foundational shrubs in its path.

    We’re talking about the box tree moth, and one Ohio city is warning residents to keep a lookout.

    What You Need To Know

    • The box tree moth was first detected in the state since 2023

    • They quickly defoliate boxwoods and will strip bark once they run out of leaves to eat

    • The city of Centerville recommended steps to take if residents find box tree moths

    The box tree moth was first detected in the state in 2023, and since then, its population has spread, especially in the southern part of the state. Earlier this year, there was a quarantine already in effect for some counties because of it.

    While the city of Centerville is warning its residents about them, these insects can be dangerous to the environment anywhere because, just as their namesake, they quickly defoliate boxwoods and will strip bark once they run out of leaves to eat, according to The Ohio State University.

    “It’s a tricky thing, because the boxwood has been a primary pillar of Midwest landscapes for decades now,” said Jotham Smith, horticulturist with Centerville Public Works and liaison for the Centerville City Beautiful Commission’s affiliation with Tree City USA. “Because everyone has them, pests and diseases can easily spread from one yard to the next.”

    There are two ways to identify the box tree moth:

    • As moths, they have two distinctive white dots on their front wings. Light-colored wings are more common than dark-colored wings.
    • As caterpillars, they have a distinctive green to greenish-yellow with black stripes and black dots on boxwoods.

    If you spot a box tree moth, the city of Centerville recommends these steps:

    1. “Do not make preventative insecticide applications to boxwoods. Only perform insecticide applications if a boxwood is identified to have a box tree caterpillar infestation or boxwoods in proximity have a confirmed infestation of the box tree caterpillar.
    2. Monitor your boxwoods as the box tree moth and caterpillar can appear anywhere. Be aware of what to look for.
    3. The Ohio State University Extension Office provides a list of over-the-counter caterpillar insecticides that can help treat infestations. You can download a list from the university’s website.
    4. You can also contact a private horticulture professional to evaluate your boxwood and provide possible treatment options.”

    Additionally, you can take a photo of the box tree moth and submit a report to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which tracks them.

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  • 157 Dayton International Airport employees to be laid off

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    DAYTON, Ohio — PSA Airlines announced it’s closing its facility in Vandalia, which will affect around 157 employees at Dayton International Airport. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Employees have been offered to relocate

    • If employees don’t take it, layoffs will occur in phases

    • Layoffs will take place in October of this year through April 2027

    In a WARN Notice sent to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, PSA Airlines said the closure is because of relocation of its operations out of state. 

    PSA Airlines said all employees have been offered to relocate, but if employees don’t take it, permanent layoffs will be in phases starting Oct. 29. Layoffs are also expected to occur December through April 2027. 

    PSA encourage affected employees to contact the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services to learn more about resources, such as unemployment compensation information, job matching, resume writing and more. 

    A date for the Vandalia facility closure hasn’t been announced. 

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  • 23 people died on Ohio’s roadways over Labor Day weekend, officials say

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    OHIO — The Ohio State Highway Patrol said 23 people died in 20 crashes on the state’s roadways over the holiday weekend.

    The Labor Day reporting period for the OSHP ran from Friday, Aug. 29 at mdnight to Monday, Sept. 1 at 11:59 p.m. This year’s number of deaths exceeded last year’s total, which was 18. 

    Of the 20 fatal crashes, four were OVI related. There were also 398 arrests for impaired driving and 67 arrests for drug-related charges. 

    Throughout the four-day reporting period, troopers issued 1,872 safety belt citations and 1,308 citations for distracted driving. 

    Overall, troopers responded to 490 crashes and helped more than 1,500 drivers.

    (OSHP)

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  • Shoreway eastbound remains closed due to water main break

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    CLEVELAND — Drivers who use eastbound Route 2, otherwise known as the Shoreway, for their commutes may want to find an alternative route for the next few days.

    What You Need To Know

    • The closure is due to a water main break that Cleveland Water said its working to repair

    • It’s closed on the eastbound side starting at the intersection of Lake Avenue and the Shoreway to the W. 45th Street exit
    • There’s no estimated time for repair, as Cleveland Water said it’s a “complex process”

    Stemming from this weekend, a portion of the eastbound side of the shoreway remains closed. Earlier Tuesday morning, the road was closed off abruptly at the W. 45th Street exit. As of 12 p.m., it’s now closed starting from the intersection of Lake Avenue and the Shoreway to the W. 45th Street exit. The Shoreway is open though immediately after the exit. 

    The closure caused a significant backup Tuesday morning. (Spectrum News 1/Chloe Magill)

    The closure is due to a water main break that Cleveland Water said it’s working to repair. Cleveland Water said there’s a leak along a 36-inch main, which has caused water to cover a section of the Shoreway.

    “Crews are continuing to close additional valves in the area to control the flow of water to the leak without disrupting service to our customers,” Cleveland Water said in a statement. “These valves are spread out in the surrounding neighborhoods and not in the immediate vicinity of where water has surfaced.”

    Cleveland Water didn’t give an estimated time for a repair, saying the issue is a “complex process” because of how old the main is and it’s proximity to the Garrett Morgan Treatment Plant, a water tower and other water mains. 

    In the meantime, alternative routes are encouraged.

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  • Youngstown-area libraries adjust hours

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    YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County announced it’s changing hours at its Newport Branch and extending hours at its Michael Kusalaba Branch.

    What You Need To Know

    • The new hours for the Newport Branch begin Tuesday

    • Michael Kusalaba Branch hour changes that began in August have been extended

    • The changes are due to the library system’s security evaluation following an incident in July

    Starting Tuesday, the Newport Branch will be open Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Wednesday and Thursday, the branch will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 a.m.

    For the Michael Kusalaba Branch, the temporary hours announced in August have been extended. Currently, they are:

    • Monday and Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    • Wednesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    The Michael Kusalaba Branch hour changes came as a result of a security incident in July. The library system said that on July 25, a person with a sword came into the Michael Kusalaba branch and verbally threatened staff and bystanders. Library workers immediately notified the police and moved patrons to a safe location.

    The person with the sword entered a restroom and locked the door, the library said. When Youngstown police arrived, they disarmed the individual, who then voluntarily left the location. He was then found at the main branch, where he was taken into custody.

    “Our branch staff and security personnel acted commendably in a very tense and potentially dangerous situation. I am incredibly proud of our team for their exemplary response,” said PLYMC Director and CEO Aimee Fifarek in a statement.

    The library system said the times were selected to ensure the most staffing during the day.

    “PLYMC will evaluate the effectiveness of these revised hours and decide on their continuation later,” the library system said in a statement. “The library will also conduct a comprehensive, system-wide security review across all locations.”

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  • USGS records 2.5-magnitude earthquake near Springboro

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    DAYTON, Ohio — The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 2.5-magnitude earthquake that shook the state’s southwestern side on Sunday.

    The USGS said the earthquake hit just a few miles northwest of Springboro around 11 a.m., which is between Dayton and Cincinnati. It was rated as a “minor” earthquake. The depth of the earthqauke was around 7.5 miles deep, according to USGS. 

    There have been no damage reports so far. Shaking may have been felt in Miamisburg and Centerville, according to USGS. 

    More information on the earthquake can be found here. A list of Ohio’s recent earthquakes can be found here. 

     

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  • Officials to spray for mosquitoes in Washington Township

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    DAYTON, Ohio — Dayton and Montgomery County – Public Health announced it’ll spray for mosquitoes in Washington Township after a pool of them tested positive for West Nile virus. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The spraying will take place on Tuesday at School House Park and Forest Field Park

    • The department said it’ll be using the mosquito control product Duet, which has been evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency and doesn’t pose a significant risk to people or animals

    • So far, Montgomery County has had 22 pools of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus

    The spraying will take place on Tuesday at School House Park and Forest Field Park. Timing will be dependent on weather. Signs will be placed to warn residents about mosquito spraying as well. 

    The department said it’ll be using the mosquito control product Duet, which has been evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency and doesn’t pose a significant risk to people or animals. 

    Residents and pets can still be outdoors amid the spraying. The mist dissipates within 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the weather. 

    So far this year, there have been more than 2,000 mosquito pools that have tested positive for West Nile virus in Ohio. Montgomery County has had 22 pools test positive, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

    There have been 10 human cases of the virus this year, but none are in Montgomery County. 

    For the latest information on West Nile virus, click here.

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  • Blue Jackets remember Johnny Gaudreau one year after his death

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — One year ago, on Aug. 29, 2024, Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died after being struck while riding bicycles.

    What You Need To Know

    • Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, and his brother, Matthew, were struck while riding bicycles near their hometown in New Jersey

    • It happened the night before their sister’s wedding

    • The Blue Jackets honored Johnny in a social media post a year after his death

    The two were hit the night before their sister’s wedding near their childhood home of Carneys Point in New Jersey. Their deaths sent shockwaves through the family and the sports world and all the fans who loved to see Johnny play. 

    Memorials were quickly set up, including outside of Nationwide Arena, home of the Blue Jackets. Hockey sticks sat on front porches, and residents donned their “Gaudreau” jerseys in honor of the young brothers. 

    Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29 when they died. 

    Since then, the Blue Jackets franchise and fans continue to mourn and pay tribute to their legacies. In April, the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League raised Gaudreau’s No. 8 to the rafters with his family present. No. 8 represented the same number he wore for the Blue Jackets as well as the Calgary Flames, which is where he played before he came to Columbus. 

    A year after their deaths, the Blue Jackets posted a video on Friday in memoriam on its social media, saying. “forever in our hearts.”

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  • Ohio officials encourage safe driving over Labor Day weekend

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    OHIO — The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Turnpike Commission are warning drivers to stay alert and sober this holiday weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Turnpike is limiting construction in work zones

    • Officials are urging drivers to avoid distractions

    • The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be cracking down on impaired drivers

    More than 700,000 cars will travel along the turnpike this weekend, according to the commission, and cars will travel approximately 40 million miles. That’s a slight increase from last year. 

    To help cut down on traffic, construction in work zones along the Ohio Turnpike will be limited. Two lanes of traffic in both eastbound and westbound directions will remain open in work zones.

    “Speeding in work zones is a primary cause of crashes,” said Chris Matta, chief engineer and deputy executive director of the turnpike commission. “Please do your part when driving through work zones by maintaining a safe following distance, being prepared to slow down or stop, obeying the speed limit, avoiding distractions and paying close attention to the signs.”

    Labor Day is the end of what officials call the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” which are statistically the most dangerous days for crashes on roadways across the U.S.

    The Ohio Turnpike also put out a warning to drivers about distractions, such as speeding and phones.

    “This Labor Day, we remember those who paved the way for American ingenuity and hard work,” said Ferzan Ahmed, executive director of the turnpike commission. “We ask everyone to travel safely this Labor Day weekend. The top risky driving behaviors to avoid include speeding, driving distracted, driving while impaired or drowsy, and failing to buckle up.”

    To further promote roadway safety, OSHP will be cracking down on impaired drivers through its reporting period for Labor Day, which runs Friday through Monday.

    “It is important everyone celebrates the Labor Day weekend responsibly,” said Col. Charles Jones, OSHP superintendent. “That means designating a sober driver before you go out, ensuring all occupants are wearing their safety belt and putting all distractions away before you drive.”

    In 2024, there were 18 deaths as a result of crashes over Labor Day weekend. Fourteen of the crashes were OVI-related. Troopers also made 382 arrests for impaired driving and issued 932 citations for distracted driving. 

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  • ODNR celebrates bird migration with annual festival

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    OHIO — Fall is almost here, and that means thousands of birds will soon start their migration. 

    To celebrate, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will kick off its Headlands Birding Festival on Friday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Sept. 21. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Headlands/Mentor Marsh region is rich of migratory birds, ODNR said

    • There will also be a keynote speaker and expert-led trips 

    • The festival is open to all

    “Every fall, Ohioans are treated to one of nature’s most incredible journeys as thousands of birds pass through our state,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “The Headlands Birding Festival is the perfect way to celebrate this migration while connecting people with the wonder of our natural world.” 

    ODNR said the Headlands/Mentor Marsh region is one of the state’s premier birding destinations. More than 350 migratory bird species have been documented in Lake County alone. The festival allows bird enthusiasts of all levels to get an up-close look at migrations and learn more about the species. 

    Along with sightings are expert-led field trips to the region’s best migratory bird hotspots, along with a boating experience offshore.

    The festival kicks off on Sept. 19 at Springbrook Gardens with keynote speaker, Julie Zickefoose, who is a naturalist, writer and artist. She lives and works on an 80-acre wildlife sanctuary in Whipple. 

    The festival is open to all. More information can be found here.

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  • Breaking down kratom amid call for ban in Ohio

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    OHIO — In recent weeks, health and political officials have been calling attention to kratom, warning about the dangers of it and trying to ban it.

    But what exactly is kratom, and why are officials so concerned?

    What You Need To Know

    • Kratom is a stimulant, according to Mayo Clinic

    • Kratom can be turned into highly addictive synthetic forms that can result in bad side effects

    • Ohio law states kratom can only be sold in its natural dried leaf or powdered form; it’s illegal to sell it in the form of capsules, liquids or as an ingredient in food products. 

    On Monday, Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, called for the ban of kratom and for it to be removed from Ohio store shelves. DeWine asked the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to designate all forms, both natural and synthetic versions, of kratom as illegal. 

    Here’s what it is, and why it’s gaining attention.

    What is kratom?

    Kratom is an herbal extract that comes from a tree called Mitragyna speciosa, according to the Mayo Clinic, which grows in Southeast Asia. Users claim it provides energy and boosts mood, but Mayo Clinic states there’s still research being done of whether it really works. 

    What are the other reasons people use it?

    Kratom is a stimulant, according to Mayo Clinic, which users reported not only makes them alert with more energy, but also reduces pain. People also reported it makes them feel calm and less anxious. Addtionally, some people reported taking it to help quit opioids by combatting withdrawal symptoms.

    What are the risks?

    Mayo Clinic noted it carries its own risk of addiction. Additionally, as Toledo-Lucas County Health Department Health previously noted, its effects are unpredictable. 

    Side effects of kratom include:

    • Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
    • Respiratory depression
    • Hallucinations, confusion and agitation
    • Seizures, liver toxicity and cardiovascular issues
    • Dependency and withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by opioids

    Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated some mothers who used the drug during pregnancy resulted in newborns suffering from neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome at birth. 

    The substance starts to work in minutes and lasts a few hours, according to Mayo Clinic. 

    What’s legal and what’s not?

    Ohio law states kratom can only be sold in its natural dried leaf or powdered form. It’s illegal to sell it in the form of capsules, liquids or as an ingredient in food products. 

    The FDA hasn’t approved any prescription or over-the-counter drug products that contain kratom or its two main chemical components, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH-mitragynine). The FDA working to classify some compounds found in kratom, including 7-hydroxymitragynine, as Schedule I controlled substances. 

    It’s currently sold online and in stores and gas stations, marketed as gummies, drinks and more. 

    Why is DeWine trying to ban it?

    Kratom can be turned into highly addictive synthetic forms that can result in the symptoms listed above. According to the Ohio Department of Health, there have been more than 200 unintentional overdose deaths involving kratom in Ohio between 2019 to 2024.

    Additionally, through July 2025, poison control centers received 1,690 reports of exposure cases involving kratom.

    “These modified kratom products, sold online and in stores, are essentially legal, over-the-counter opiates that anyone – including kids – can buy with just a few bucks,” DeWine said in a written statement. “There is no accepted medical use for kratom in Ohio, and it is an imminent public health risk. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy should act with urgency to schedule all kratom compounds and future alterations of them as Schedule I illegal drugs.” 

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  • ODOT employee submitted false details for project awarded $2 million

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    OHIO — The Ohio Inspector General’s Office said it has concluded an investigation about an Ohio Department of Transportation employee who submitted false information on a federal funding application that ended up being awarded $2 million.

    What You Need To Know

    • The application was submitted to a roadway program that pays for eligible project costs, including construction costs

    • The investigation found an ODOT employee edited information 

    • Investigators say the act violated ODOT policies

    The Ohio Inspector General’s Office was made aware of the false information after a complaint was submitted on Feb. 21, 2024, alleging that the co-sponsors of a project to build a roundabout in Medina County had submitted false information on the application.

    The application was submitted to a roadway program that pays for eligible project costs, including construction costs.

    The complaint listed ODOT and the Medina County Engineer’s Office.

    The Ohio Inspector General’s Office then opened an investigation, which found ODOT employee Scott Ockunzzi had edited the application to change the intersection’s existing level of service to an “F,” which is the worst rating. The Ohio Inspector General’s Office said a 2019 study showed that the intersection actually had a “D” rating in the morning and a “C” rating in the evening.

    The Ohio Inspector General’s Office said Ockunzzi admitted to editing the application despite knowing the correct ratings. Ockunzzi said he thought he was told to use the “F” rating, but he didn’t say who told him to do that.

    Overall, investigators found “reasonable cause to believe a wrongdoing occurred,” stating Ockunzzi violated ODOT policies.

    For more information about the investigation, click here.

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  • Dayton Police Department warns of car break-ins

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    DAYTON, Ohio — The Dayton Police Department is reminding residents to be smart with their valuables after a string of car break-ins.

    Police said Aug. 4-18, there were 22 thefts from unlocked cars. Police added that most valuables were in plain sight. 

    “To help prevent theft, please lock your doors and don’t leave valuables in your car,” Dayton Police Department wrote in a Facebook post. 

    Police shared where recent break-ins occurred to warn the public. (Dayton Police Department)

    Dayton isn’t the only area recently to report frequent car break-ins. Earlier this week, Summit Metro Parks in northeast Ohio put out a warning for people to be cautious of what they put in their cars. Areas of the break-ins included multiple areas of Cascade Valley Metro Park, the Towpath Trail and Firestone Metro Park.

     

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  • Stadium reminders ahead of Ohio State’s opener against Texas

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s opener against Texas is just a few days away, and before kickoff, the university is giving important reminders for fans about recent changes made around the ‘Shoe. 

    New look, ‘Tradition Evolved’

    Tradition Evolved is an initiative to align “Ohio Stadium’s energy with the passion of the people in it.” With that comes some changes to the appearance of the stadium, including the Victory Bell Ringer, THE Towel, Color Outs, Brutus Buckeye entrances, enhanced video board layout and a bigger Block O. 

    Day-of-game parking

    Day-of-game parking is first come, first served. Parking lots and garages open at 5 p.m., and credit card or smartphone payment will be accepted at all public parking locations. 

    It’ll be $60 for Premier Day of Game locations, $40 for Proximity Day of Game locations and $30 for Non-Proximity. 

    Single-game parking can be purchased in advance for Sisson and Fawcett Center lots starting Friday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. by clicking here. Permit parking passes will be on fans’ mobile devices. 

    Woody Hayes Drive closures

    Woody Hayes Drive will be closed between Cannon and Tuttle in both directions to all cars four hours before kickoff. 

    New west campus shuttle drop-off point

    The route has changed for the west campus shuttle. Shuttles will go from Mount Hall Loop to and from the Transit Hub, near the RPAC, starting six hours before kickoff to one hour after the game. 

    Food, fun updates

    At the Overloaded stands in sections 10C and 9A, there will be “Scoop N Score Nachos,” the Birria Nacho with smoky brisket and consommé and the Sugardale Italian Hot Dog topped with cherry pepper relish and chopped pepperoni.

    Also, at the BBQ stands in Sections 15A and 6A, there’s the Loaded Cowboy Chipper, with house-smoked brisket and cheddar sauce, and the House Smoking Pulled BBQ sandwich. Dos Hermanos is also an addition at sections 36A and 17C.

    Tech

    To see wait times around the stadium for the bathroom, concessions and drink refills, it’s all on the Ohio State Buckeyes app now. 

    Additionally, the “Text Brutus” issue number is no longer a thing. This year, fans can text issues to 847-723-3326. 

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  • Wright-Patterson Air Force Base conducting training

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    DAYTON, Ohio — If you see more emergency vehicles or sounds coming from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, it’s all for a training being conducted throughout the day Wednesday. 

    Wright-Patterson Air Force Base warned the public it’s conducting an active-shooter exercise to test and evaluate response procedures, as well as assess base safety. 

    There will be a few temporary changes and impacts as the training goes on: 

    • Heavier traffic at gates because of possible closures and screenings
    • Temporary road closures around the base
    • Simulated gunfire and increased presence of armed Airmen
    • Enhanced security measures
    • Activation of the “Giant Voice” system and alert sirens
    • Electronic notifications related to the exercise

    Wright-Patterson said there’s no need to call 911 as the training is a scheduled event, and local emergency agencies have been notified. 

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  • Ohio among the worst states for puppy mills, report shows

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    OHIO — Ohio once again ranked high in terms of having the most “problem puppy mills” and “puppy sellers” in the U.S., according to a new report.

    What You Need To Know

    • The “Horrible Hundred” report lists states with the most problem puppy mills to bring awareness

    • Ohio came in at second place for the second year in a row

    • Violations included improper housing, incomplete health records, as well as reports of injuries and abuse

    The report dubbed the “Horrible Hundred” by the Humane World of Animals is published annually to help warn consumes about common problems at puppy mills, as well as stronger humane law enforcement. The report lists 100 problem puppy mill breeders and dealers throughout the U.S.

    Puppy mills are breeding facilities that put out puppies for trade, and they often live in horrible conditions.

    Ohio came in at No. 2 for having 16 dealers. According to the report, the breeders were from Coshocton, Holmes, Muskingum, Richland, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties.

    Some of them are repeat offenders and have been listed on the “Horrible Hundred” list before, including a breeder in Dundee, Ohio (2024), one in Sugarcreek (2024), one in Millersburg (2016, 2017 and 2023) and more.

    Also, some of the breeders are on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s searchable list for High Volume Dog Breeders.

    The full list of the 16 dealers can be found here.

    Violations included improper housing, incomplete health records, as well as reports of injuries and abuse.

    Ohio came in second place on last year’s “Horrible Hundred” list as well, with 20 dealers.

    According to Ohio law, effective in 2019, it is illegal for owners, managers or employees of a pet store to negligently display, offer for sale, deliver, barter, auction, broker, give away, transfer or sell any live dog from a pet store to a person, unless the dog was obtained from these sources:

    • An animal rescue for dogs
    • An animal shelter for dogs
    • A humane society
    • A dog broker, provided that, if the dog broker originally obtained the dog from a breeder, the breeder is a qualified breeder
    • A qualified breeder.

    Additionally, they cannot give away a dog that is:

    • A dog that is less than eight weeks old
    • A dog without a health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian
    • A dog that does not have a permanent implanted identification microchip that is approved for use by the director of agriculture under rules adopted under section 956.03 of the Revised Code
    • A dog to a person who is younger than eighteen years of age as verified by valid photo identification

    More information about the Ohio law can be found here.

    The full report can be found here. 

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Ohio EPA awards $650,000 for mosquito control programs

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    OHIO — The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday it’s awarding more than $650,000 to help county and municipal health departments fight the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. 

    Diseases include West Nile, La Cross e Encephalitis and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. 

    “These grants are essential to help health departments around Ohio fight mosquito-borne diseases,” Ohio EPA Director-Designate John Logue said. “The funding provides education, outreach, and necessary equipment to better protect all Ohioans.”

    The funding will go toward surveillance, larval control and the reduction of breeding spots in communities. 

    Since 2016, the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Health have awarded $9.2 million to Ohio communities for mosquito control programs.

    A full list of Tuesday’s recipients are below:

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    Lydia Taylor

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